News on The Potato Supply Chain from United Kingdom

Fera scientists have made breakthrough progress with industry-steered wireworm research, highlighting where and when the pest is expected to pose the highest risk to arable and fresh produce crops over the next two decades. 

GB Potatoes has announced that Alex Godfrey will be taking over the reins as Chairman after being elected at the Annual General meeting on the 12th December. Alex takes over from Mark Taylor who has been the Chair ever since the launch of the organisation in 2022.

Nanna Tate is a stand-out new potato brand which has been developed by Branston, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of potatoes. With a focus on recreating the nostalgia evoked by the best potato dishes, Nanna Tate builds on Branston’s 50 plus years of potato expertise, adding a modern twist while tapping into the enduring love that Brits have for the humble spud.

Meeting the challenges will be the focus of the 26th annual gathering in Dundee of the country’s leading potato producers and the companies that support them.

The ambitious net-zero goals of leading potato supplier Branston have been recognised by a pioneering organisation that supports businesses around the world to tackle the climate crisis.

The potatoes sector is to benefit from the delivery of seven industry projects funded by residual levy reserves, after a grant agreement was signed between AHDB and GB Potatoes.

Potato farmers have been hit by rising costs and bad weather affecting harvests. Robert Strathern, of Fairfields Farm at Wormingford, near Colchester, described a wet spring that delayed the harvest, making it a 'race against the clock and the weather.'

Potato Days UK, held in early September at Dyson farming’s Nocton Farm in Lincolnshire, ended on a high note, meeting visitor and exhibitor expectations.

Fibe, a London-based material science company, has developed the world’s first textile fibre from potato harvest waste (stems and leaves), garnering the attention of investors and industry experts alike.

The Masser Family of Companies (MFC), the eighth-generation family-owned potato farming company, announced a strategic partnership with Szawlowski Potato Farms (SWAZ), a fifth-generation farm.

On Wednesday, 4 September, at Nocton, Lincolnshire, the new Potato Days UK will be kicking off, offering a full two-day programme of exhibition, trial plots, professional programme, and live machinery demonstrations. Visitors enter for free on both days, 4 and 5 September, with prior registration needed.

Retail demand and consumption is improving this week and should continue to do so upon the return of schools this week following the summer break.

Branston, one of the UK’s leading potato suppliers, has appointed a new general manager at its Lincoln site as part of its ambitious growth plans.

In the ever-evolving world of agriculture, farmers are continually seeking ways to enhance crop yields, improve plant health, and maximize the quality of their produce. One of the most promising strategies in recent years has been the use of biostimulants—natural products that enhance plant growth and resilience.

Biofresh Safestore, which is celebrating two decades of installing potato sprout suppressant systems in the United Kingdom, will offer visitors of the UK Potato Days who commit to a site survey during the show a ten per cent discount. 

This year’s Hutchinsons Potato Demonstration Day, held at Worth Farms, Holbeach, Lincolnshire, focussed on potential solutions to address some of the key challenges faced by UK potato growers.

Restrain has announced the launch of its new Precision Ethylene Treatment (PET) technology, setting an unprecedented standard in storage solutions.

In a year marked by escalating climate emergencies and global calls for sustainable solutions, Regenagri, a global leader in regenerative agriculture, has announced impressive performance in its Impact Report has been launched.